By Lisa Gray
What is World Spay Day?
World Spay Day first began in 1995 by the Doris Day to help bring awareness to pet overpopulation and crowded shelters. This special day is celebrated the last Tuesday in February annually and this year was February 25th.
Who participates in World Spay Day?
All veterinarians are encouraged to participate in World Spay Day. Some choose to offer discounted or free services and others specialize in education.
TLC PetSnip has been participating in this event every year since opening in 2013. TLC PetSnip provided over 200 spays and neuters to animals across Polk, Hillsborough and Marion Counties. TLC PetSnip-Ocala provided 132 free surgeries to feral cats with funding assistance from The Florida Animal Friend Foundation and Humane Society of Marion County for Ocala.
What is the impact to Polk County?
The impact from these services has prevented thousands of unwanted puppies and kittens being born in Polk County. TLC PetSnip Lakeland spayed 39 and neutered 23 dogs and cats in one day, thanks to a dedicated team. Dr. Michele McCutcheon and Dr. Tsuyoshi Watanabe have both been trained to preform high volume procedures at the ASPA Spay/Neuter Alliance in Asheville, NC. On average the ASPCA the estimated euthanasia rate across the country is 1.5 million animals annually. Here in Polk, TLC PetSnip is working to prevent unwanted animals from entering the shelter by providing affordable spay neuter services. Primary areas of focus are cats and kittens and dogs over 40lbs, due to shelter overcrowding these demographics are the most likely to be euthanized due to space.
How can you help?
You can help by working with rescue groups and becoming a foster to a pet from Polk, spaying your pet and through TNVR. TLC provides affordable services that make access to care accessible to every pet owner. If you are interested in donating a spay/neuter to pet in need please visit www.TLCPetSnip.org/donate and put “Spay” in the notes section. Every dollar raised is used for spay/neuter or emergency services at TLC PetSnip.